newcomer – This Sweet Southern Life

What a fun night learning to make an adorable wreath with @shopiveylane! We are old friends and I’ve admired her whimsical creations for a long time! When I had the opportunity to attend a workshop with @t2kuhle it was not just a “yes” but a “heck yes!” Didn’t they turn out great? And look at all these beautiful women! What you don’t see in this picture is my anxiety hiding behind my creation! Sometimes being the new girl is hard- we literally moved here 1 week ago from dallas! I was excited to attend until it was time to attend! Ever feel that way? I thought of a million reasons to stay home…there were so many boxes to unpack still, I couldn’t find my cute clothes (still in a box) and I won’t know anyone…just to name a few! Are you as good at creating excuses as I am? My sprained brain can get very creative! But…I put on my big girl pants, added a cute top and long vest to hide the stress eating from the past year, threw on a long necklace (to elongate the look from the stress eating) and walked in the door! There was my precious friend Tonya who I haven’t seen in real life (irl for the cool kids) in about 20 years! She was so friendly and adorable and hasn’t aged a bit- in fact- she is cuter than ever! I confessed my temptation to stay home and she totally understood but was glad I showed up anyway! I found a seat at the end of the table and was soon joined by a beautiful woman and her daughter-in-law who had come together! (That made my heart smile). Then out came the mesh, ribbons, bows and laughter- everyone working away to create the cutest wreath ever!

But perhaps the most important thing I learned last night was the importance of showing up even when you don’t feel like it! Of meeting new friends and being the first to say hello when others don’t. I think maybe everyone feels a little insecure? When we sat down- another sweet gal next to me said-“I don’t think I can do this!” By the end of the night she had figured out all the things and was ready to make another for fall! Do you ever go into something thinking “I can’t do new things?” I sure do! What is something you have done lately to step out of your comfort zone?

Have you ever felt stuck? Well, I feel stuck!!!!! We are so grateful to finally have a house in Texas! With the market here, it was not an easy find but….I can’t bond with my house! The inside is amazing if I can figure out what to do with it but… my number one about our past homes has been curb appeal! I love a front porch with beautiful pots by the door. My dream for our house here was painted white brick with black windows, an awesome porch and double schoolhouse doors! Truth be told, I had hoped to find a house to remodel and make it ours but after moving here to be closer to our daughter during her health crisis, we figured out that there were more people than houses and prices were at a premium. Fast forward 18 months in an apartment, we moved into a new neighborhood between trophy club and Fort Worth. Our house is perfect for us and friends who occasionally visit but now I need to make it mine. When we sold our house in Little Rock, I sold almost everything with the house- furniture, rugs, art. At the time, it seemed like a great idea during a fast move. Now?…..not so much! You see, I’m a big treasure hunter! I love to find special items- not mass produced collections- and that takes time and lots of energy (which I am lacking these days). So after finally wrangling the cars into the garage this week because of the severe weather (apparently I am motivated by acts of God like tornados and hail to move boxes) I took a hard look at the front………….(crickets)……..

I got nothin! I’d love big pots outside the entrance but they planted the downspouts there. To put them inside the little alcove doesn’t seem to serve much purpose! Any ideas? I’d love to know your suggestions. Maybe just hang a wreath and head to the back yard?

Thanks for helping me make this little part of Texas feel a little like home. I’ll post the progress- any ideas on drapes? And plants? And rugs? And patio furniture? And… ps….my friend Jennifer says I feel this way every time I move. I don’t recall that but I trust her and believe I will feel more settled soon. Ps- anyone know why they asked if I wanted a peephole in the door when I had a camera? And why I said yes? Ugh! Good grief!!!! It’s like I’m the one who had brain surgery. 😂

Tag: newcomer

Hey new girl!

Curb appeal rescue